4th of July, 2014 in Honduras

There are two holidays that I miss being in the States for; Thanksgiving and Independence Day.           I miss them because they are so uniquely American and all America stops to celebrate.

 

The teachers at the Spanish Institute of Honduras decorated our entryway!

For the past I don't know how many years, our family, along with several others, have gone to Smalls Falls for a picnic and then on to Rangeley, Maine to watch the fireworks over beautiful Rangeley Lake. But that was not a possibility this year.

Instead, Barbe and I decided to throw a party for all Americans living anywhere in Honduras. Almost 100 showed up including children, some driving several hours to get here. We even had some good friends of ours fly in from Chicago, arriving directly from the airport just in time for the party. Ok, well..., they did arrive directly from the airport for the party, but were flying back home to Honduras from Chicago anyway.



Chad A., Jesse E. and Mark P. doing what real men do best...grillin'

With the help of Chad Alford and Mark Patterson, we had three BBQ grills going and cranked out whatever was handed to us to cook. Mostly burgers and chicken, but I saw chorrizos, pork strips and shish-kbobs too.





Children played ball in the front yard, teens and adults gathered in small groups laughing and talking. It was definitely a great family type of party, exactly what the 4th of July should look like.

Some of the teens.

About the only organized thing we did was sing the National Anthem and God Bless America as we gathered on the front porch and stairs. What an awesome sound.

Gathering to sing the Star Spangled Banner

 

And of course we put on a fireworks show. I mean the real professional stuff, like at a true 4th of July fireworks show. It didn't last very long as these shells are expensive, but hey, as part owner of the only Army authorized manufacturer and distributor of fireworks in Honduras, I think it was totally appropriate to light up the night sky with the real deal.

 

 

Mark and Kevyn Ness, our intern, did most of the actual lighting of the shells while I stood back and directed the reloading and firing. It was a quite a rush! Here's a video taken by Kevyn in between reloads. Or you can click this link.

It was one of the nicest fourths we have ever experienced. We want to thank all of you who came and celebrated with us! I think we will make this an annual event.

 

See you next 4th!